Barcelona's Dani Alves: Confederations Cup restored belief

Brazil right-back Dani Alves has claimed that success in last year's Confederations Cup has brought a winning mentality to the squad that was perhaps lacking before.

The Barcelona defender told goal.com: "Many people were very doubtful about our team and didn't believe in Brazil, but after the Confederations Cup that belief came back and the people now believe in these players."

"We took a leap of quality at the Confederations Cup."

The Selecao's recent good form is in no small part down to a mean defence which has seen them concede only six times in their last 13 matches. Such performances have helped Alves to earn a nomination for the prestigious FifPro WorldXI shortlist where he is joined by several defensive colleagues.

Dante, David Luiz, Marcelo and Thiago Silva are also nominated, as well as Neymar, meaning that Brazil's strengths perhaps lie in not losing goals, rather than scoring them.